Adapting to the ‘New Normal’:
Blended Learning as the way forward for TVET Sector
The disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic to technical and vocational education and training (TVET) globally and in Sri Lanka is unprecedented. TVET institutions face the additional challenge to combine practical hands-on training, often on machinery, with online education. In the absence of established blended learning modalities, trainees and lecturers quickly had to adapt to the new situation. The pandemic has exposed the experimental stage of e-learning/blended learning, but also highlighted that digital formats are possible and will remain a substantial part of TVET in the future.
The Vocational Training in Sri Lanka (VTSL) project, implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and Switzerland’s State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) in partnership with the Ministry of Skills Development and Vocational Training supports the government, companies and training institutes in adapting to the new ‘normal’ by introducing innovative blended learning approaches to overcome structural challenges.
The project works closely with the Ceylon-German Technical Training Institute (CGTTI) and the Sri Lanka German Training Institute (SLGTI) to implement systematic e-learning that brings all necessary components together, including hardware, internet accessibility, and comprehensive training for lecturers and trainers. A first batch of 27 staff members from CGTTI & SLGTI underwent a course that enabled them to produce their own lectures and publish online for trainees. 31 participants are currently attending the second batch.
SLGTI Deputy PrincipalIndustrial Affairs and Quality Management Systems, Udana Eranda, who took part in the course, said, “The e-learning programme, coordinated by German experts, greatly aided academic staff members of SLGTI and CGTTI in upgrading their teaching skills utilizing modern software such as Screencast-o-Matic and tools in an online platform”.
As part of continuous efforts jointly with the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka and the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission (TVEC) to introduce cooperative vocational training courses adapted to Sri Lankan standards, a 12-month Warehouse Operator course was launched together with five leading logistics companies. The trainees have the unique opportunity to follow theory classes completely online, even during lockdowns.
Moreover, the mental wellbeing of trainees plays a critical role in ensuring that they continue to engage in online classes despite various emotional challenges they face due to pandemic. As an example, the project supported INSEE - EVE Center (Enterprisebased Vocational Education) in conducting psychosocial support sessions for students. Among the topics covered during these sessions were - new normalization during the pandemic, digital dependency, stress management and positive thinking. Tharindu Dilshan, an apprentice said, “Series of lockdowns from time to time were emotionally challenging for me personally. Psychosocial sessions helped me to stay motivated, connected, engaged in studies and seek professional advice during difficult times”.
Blended learning will play an important role in the future, even in post-pandemic times. The VTSL project together with Sri-lankan government institutions and private sector TVET providers will continue to support cooperative trainings using innovative blended learning modalities and maintaining quality standards and attractiveness for the youth. Jointly with private sector partners like MAS Holdings, J.M. Wickramarachchi & Company (Pvt) Ltd and Infoseek (Pvt) Ltd blended learning courses from autonomation technicians to software developers will commence in the last quarter of 2021.